Legendary children’s writer and alumnus Andy Griffiths talks about his life and career journey from teacher and punk rocker to one of the most recognised children’s authors in the world.

Read more about Andy's story at: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career-and-study/andy-griffiths-answers-what-does-it-take-to-be-an-author
Learn more about Andy and his most recent work at: https://andygriffiths.com.au/

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome

00:55 – Early Love for Books

02:00 – Discovering Humour & Shock Value

03:50 – Punk Rock & Performance

06:15 – Becoming a Teacher

09:30 – From Classroom to First Books

13:40 – Finding His Voice

18:00 – Persistence

22:00 – The Treehouse Series

29:00 – Child-Centred Fiction

41:00 – Literacy & Imagination

55:00 – Audio Books & Adaptations

01:03:00 – Advice for Parents & Educators

01:08:00 – What’s Next

Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

Jaleesa Basnight’s journey to become a nurse is dotted with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. From raising a family at a young age, to flying thousands of kilometres to study, Jaleesa’s story is one of resilience, growth, and determination. She’s now back in the Torres Strait working as a nurse, with a mission to improve the health outcomes of her community and inspire the next generation.

Content Warning

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this podcast includes conversations about deceased persons. It does not include names, voices or images.

This episode contains themes of family violence, First-Nations child removal, mental health challenges, traditional adoption, and grief. People who have experienced themes discussed may find some of this content difficult. Similarly, those who have not been exposed to this content before, may find the information confronting and challenging.

We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time.

If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to seek support through:

• Deakin Safer Community(Deakin Students and Staff)
• Deakin's Employee Wellbeing Support (Deakin Staff)
• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7 support for domestic and family violence)
• 13YARN (13 92 76) – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Line
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
• For support outside of Australia, please visit spotify.com/resources.

Learn more about NIKERI at deakin.edu.au/indigenous-students/study/nikeri-institute
Learn more about studying nursing at deakin.edu.au/international-students/choosing-your-degree/nursing

Chapters
00:00 Content warning

00:24 Introducing Jaleesa

03:01 Early life

05:33 Growing up

15:05 Pursuing a nursing degree

22:48 Navigating studies and family

27:47 Support and challenges

30:10 Building a support system

31:18 Balancing motherhood and education

35:03 Finding motivation

36:13 The final push to graduation

46:33 Graduation day

53:57 Life after graduation

55:33 Future aspirations

In this episode, Lucky shares his unconventional journey through careers in science, photography, and teaching - reflecting on the risks and rewards of embracing change. He shares his experience and challenges growing up in Australia, finding purpose, and his passion for connecting with people as an educator and photographer. Lucky’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, flexibility, and the joy found in embracing change.

Learn more about Deakin's education courses here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/find-a-course/education-and-teaching
Check out Lucky's photography at: https://lakshalperera.com/

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Lucky Perera
02:11 – Childhood & Belonging
03:58 – Discovering Physics & Passion
05:42 – The Accidental PhD
10:10 – Family, Culture & Expectations
15:18 – Science & Society
18:07 – Becoming a Photographer
23:23 – Connection Through the Camera
25:28 – Pandemic Pause & Career Reflection
30:03 – Teaching & Community Impact
39:45 – Awards & Recognition
47:00 – Embracing Possibility
49:45 – What’s Next for Lucky?